The Future of Dermatology

Episode 36 - Dermatology Application Process | The Future of Dermatology

Summary
In this episode, Dr. Farah Kamangar is joined by Payton Smith, a third-year medical student, and Dr. Mitch Davis, who recently matched into a dermatology residency program. The conversation delves into the dermatology application process, the challenges, and the experiences of medical students and residents. It also explores the importance of mentorship, the impact of failure, and the future of dermatology in terms of targeted therapies and AI. The guests share their personal journeys, challenges, and the value of perseverance in pursuing a career in dermatology.
Takeaways
The dermatology application process is challenging and requires perseverance and dedication.
Mentorship and networking play a crucial role in navigating the application process and building a successful career in dermatology.
The impact of failure and the importance of not fearing it, but rather using it as a learning experience and a stepping stone to success.
The future of dermatology holds promise with the development of targeted therapies and the potential role of AI in diagnosis and treatment.
Personal experiences and challenges shared by medical students and residents highlight the value of resilience and determination in pursuing a career in dermatology.

Episode 35 - Physician Entrepreneur: Ideas, Growth, and Innovation | The Future of Dermatology Podcast

Summary:
Dr. Clark Otley discusses the importance of physician involvement in the development of devices and technology in dermatology. He shares his experiences in innovation and business development at Mayo Clinic, highlighting the process of bringing ideas from ideation to market. Dr. Otley also introduces the Mayo Clinic Platform, a digital innovation platform that aims to assist entrepreneurs and innovators in the field of digital healthcare technology. He emphasizes the potential of AI in dermatology and the importance of physicians being at the forefront of technological advancements.
Takeaways:
Physicians should be actively involved in the development of devices and technology in dermatology to ensure they meet the needs of clinicians and patients.
The process of bringing an idea from ideation to market involves ideation, prototyping, testing, FDA approval, and developing a business model.
The Mayo Clinic Platform is a digital innovation platform that connects innovators and entrepreneurs in digital healthcare technology with the tools, data, and expertise they need.
AI has the potential to revolutionize dermatology by improving diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics, and optimizing practice management.
Physicians can prevent burnout and find fulfillment by engaging in innovation and staying at the forefront of technological advancements in dermatology.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background of Dr. Clark Otley
04:15 - The Process of Bringing Ideas from Ideation to Market
09:54 - The Mayo Clinic Platform for Digital Healthcare Innovation
13:45 - The Potential of AI in Dermatology

Episode 34 - Integrated Medicine | The Future of Dermatology Podcast

Summary
Dr. Raja Sivamani, MD, MS (Bioengineering), AP, discusses his transition from academia to private practice and the importance of integrative medicine in dermatology. He shares his experience in running a clinical trials unit and the benefits of seeing Medi-Cal patients. Dr. Raja Sivamani also talks about Learn Skin, an online platform for dermatology education, and the future of dermatology, including the role of AI and the need for an open mind.
 
Takeaways
Transitioning from academia to private practice can provide more freedom and opportunities for innovation.
Integrative medicine, including nutrition and lifestyle approaches, is an important aspect of dermatology.
Running a clinical trials unit can be efficient and impactful, especially when combined with a successful practice. Learn Skin is an online platform that offers dermatology education with an integrative spin.
The future of dermatology involves embracing AI and collaborating with other healthcare professionals.
Continuing education and keeping an open mind are essential for staying up-to-date in the field.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
03:19 - Transitioning from Academia to Private Practice
06:08 - The Benefits of Private Practice
09:23 - Considerations for Starting a Private Practice
13:38 - Running a Clinical Trials Unit
21:56 -  The Future of Dermatology

Episode 33 - Discussing Biologics and Dedicated Coordinators | The Future of Dermatology

Summary
Janelle Ball, the CEO and founder of BC Educators, discusses the importance of having a dedicated biologic coordinator in dermatology offices to streamline the prior authorization process for specialty medications. She emphasizes the need for proper documentation and education to ensure patients have access to the medications they need. BC Educators offers virtual coordinators and training to support offices in this role. Janelle also highlights the challenges of navigating insurance requirements and the importance of collaboration and networking among coordinators. She sees the future of dermatology involving more biologics and specialty medications, making the role of the biologic coordinator even more crucial.
 
Takeaways:
Having a dedicated biologic coordinator in dermatology offices can streamline the prior authorization process for specialty medications. Proper documentation and education are essential for ensuring patients have access to the medications they need. BC Educators offers virtual coordinators and training to support offices in the role of the biologic coordinator. Collaboration and networking among coordinators can help navigate insurance requirements and share best practices. The future of dermatology will likely involve more biologics and specialty medications, making the role of the biologic coordinator even more crucial.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
06:45 Streamlining Workflow in Dermatology Offices
12:47 The Role of the Biologic Coordinator
23:20 The Future of Dermatology

Episode 32 - Personalized Medicine in the Age of Telemedicine | The Future of Dermatology Podcast

Summary
Dr. Farah Kamangar interviews Dr. Whitney Tolpinrud, the Medical Director at Curology, a personalized skincare service. They discuss the journey that led Dr. Tolpinrud to her current position and the inefficiencies of traditional clinical practice. They also explore the founding of Curology and its mission to provide accessible and personalized dermatological care through telemedicine. Dr. Tolpinrud shares her experience as the Medical Director and the various aspects of her role, including product development, marketing, and clinical research. They discuss the future of dermatology, emphasizing the importance of personalized medicine and the integration of technology, such as AI, into medical practice.
Takeaways
Traditional clinical practice can be inefficient and limit the number of patients that can be seen.
Telemedicine offers a more scalable and accessible solution.
Curology is a personalized skincare service that provides telemedicine consultations and customized prescription treatments.
The company was founded by a dermatologist and focuses on treating conditions like acne through a telemedicine platform.
Dr. Tolpinrud serves as the Medical Director at Curology and is involved in product development, marketing, clinical research, and maintaining high medical standards.
The future of dermatology involves personalized medicine, utilizing individual bio data and genetics, as well as the integration of technology, such as AI, into medical practice.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
05:07 - Curology: Personalized Skincare through Telemedicine
11:35 - The Future of Dermatology: Personalized Medicine and Technology

Episode 31 - The Journey of Mentorship and Leadership with Dr. Tina Bhutani | The Future of Dermatology Podcast

Summary
Dr. Tina Bhutani shares her journey to becoming a dermatologist and the challenges she faced along the way. She emphasizes the importance of being proactive in interviews and marketing oneself effectively. Dr. Bhutani also discusses the rewards and challenges of working in an academic setting, including the bureaucracy and administrative burdens. She highlights the significance of clinical trials and her interest in studying lifestyle modifications and their impact on skin disease. However, she acknowledges the difficulty of getting funding for these types of studies. In this conversation, she discusses her busy life as a dermatologist and the importance of patient-centered research and accessible clinical trials. Dr. Bhutani and Dr. Fara also talk about Dr. Bhutani's book that she co-authored on the use of biologics in psoriasis treatment. The conversation covers various chapters of the book, including laboratory monitoring, TNF-alpha inhibitors, IL-17 class of biologics, combination therapies, biologic agents for pediatric psoriasis, special site psoriasis, comparing biologic agents, long-term registry data, biologic agents in special populations, and adherence to biologic therapy. Dr. Fara and Dr. Bhutani emphasize the importance of individualizing treatment and having open conversations with patients about their preferences and needs.
 
Takeaways
Be proactive in interviews and market yourself effectively
Working in an academic setting has rewards and challenges
Clinical trials are important for providing access to treatments
Studying lifestyle modifications and their impact on skin disease is valuable
Obtaining funding for non-traditional studies can be challenging
Patient-centered research and accessible clinical trials are important for improving dermatology treatments
Dr. Bhutani's book on the use of biologics in psoriasis treatment provides practical guidance and evidence-based recommendations
TNF-alpha inhibitors are still valuable in psoriatic arthritis treatment
IL-17 class of biologics work quickly and are effective for tough-to-treat areas
Combination therapies can be beneficial for patients who have already tried monotherapy
Treating special site psoriasis is important for improving quality of life and preventing comorbidities
Comparing biologic agents is challenging due to individual patient factors and access issues
Long-term registry data provides reassurance about the safety and efficacy of biologic agents
Special populations, such as pregnant women and the elderly, require careful consideration in biologic therapy
Adherence to biologic therapy is crucial, and treatment should be tailored to individual patient preferences and needs
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
08:39 Navigating the Challenges of an Academic Setting
29:27 The Value of TNF-alpha Inhibitors in Psoriatic Arthritis
36:04 Comparing Biologic Agents: Challenges and Considerations

Episode 30 - Challenges and Strategies in Access to Medication | The Future of Dermatology Podcast

Summary
In this episode, Dr. Farah Kamangar and Dr. Tina Bhutani discuss the challenges of accessing newer dermatology medications and the importance of proper documentation for prior authorization. They also touch on the use of patient coupons and the requirements set by insurance companies. The conversation highlights the need for clear and thorough notes, including previous treatments and failed therapies. The hosts emphasize the importance of advocating for patients and using all available resources to navigate the access process. They also discuss the potential role of AI in streamlining the prior authorization process.
This episode is sponsored by an educational grant from the company Dermavant.
 
Takeaways
Accessing newer dermatology medications can be challenging due to the paperwork and prior authorization process.
Patient coupons are available for some medications, but the reasons behind their existence are not always clear. Insurance companies often require documentation of previous treatments and failed therapies before approving newer medications.
Thorough and clear notes are essential for successful prior authorization, including details of previous treatments and justifications for prescribing specific medications.
Advocacy for patients and utilizing available resources can help navigate the access process.
AI has the potential to streamline the prior authorization process and reduce the burden on healthcare providers.

Episode 29 - Dr. Bhutani on the Efficacy and Safety of Tapinarof | The Future of Dermatology Podcast

Summary
In this episode, Dr. Farah Kamangar and Dr. Tina Bhutani discuss the efficacy and safety of Tapinarof, a non-steroidal topical therapy for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. They highlight the impressive results of clinical trials, with 35-40% of psoriasis patients achieving clear or almost clear skin after 12 weeks of treatment. They also discuss the potential benefits of Tupinarof for atopic dermatitis patients. The side effects of folliculitis and headaches are mentioned, but overall, patients tolerate the medication well. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of Tapinarof, including potential pediatric indications.
This episode is sponsored by an educational grant from the company Dermavant.
 
Takeaways
Tapinarof is a non-steroidal topical therapy that has shown impressive efficacy in treating psoriasis, with 35-40% of patients achieving clear or almost clear skin after 12 weeks of treatment.
The medication is also being studied for its effectiveness in treating atopic dermatitis, with early data showing promising results.
Common side effects of Tapinarof include folliculitis and headaches, but overall, patients tolerate the medication well.
The future of Tapinarof may include pediatric indications, which would be beneficial for parents looking for non-steroidal treatment options for their children.
Gentle skincare techniques and moisturization may also play a role in managing psoriasis and improving skin barrier function.